Kerala CM asks people to be vigilant amid heavy rains alert in state

National

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday urged the public to exercise caution in light of recent severe rains that have pummelling portions of Kerala and forecast for more in the coming four days.

People should exercise extreme caution, the Chief Minister said on Sunday, as India Meteorological Department has issued a warning that state would see heavy rain for the next five days. Heavy rains are falling in the districts of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram. River water levels are rising all around the world. Many streams were inundated.

Tragically, one person died while the other three people escaped when four Tamil Nadu tourists became stranded in a flood at the Achankovil river in Kollam district as a result of severe rainfall.

Munnilav town became flooded following a landslide in Munnilav village in Meenachil taluk of Kottayam district. One person was reported missing in the landslide and subsequently found.

After a torrent entered the Kallar-Meenmutti waterfalls inside the boundaries of Thiruvananthapuram Vithura Police Station, cars became stranded on the other side of the road. Police officers from the Vitura police station assisted in the rescue of two adolescents who were stranded on top of rocks close to Kallar in Vitura village.

The police, fire department, and other government organisations have been told to be on guard. At the scene of accidents, rescue efforts are in progress. Neyyar Dam’s four shutters were lifted. Tourist attractions in Ponmudi, Kallar, and Mankayam are closed.

Fishermen were urged under no circumstances to enter the sea. People have been told to leave landslide-prone regions immediately.

Chief minister asked that everyone be prepared to completely abide by any warnings that Disaster Management Authority issues at the appropriate times.